8:30 am | Registration

9:30 am – 10:00 am | Opening Ceremony

Master of Ceremony: Marianne Zouein, News Reporter and Content Producer at MTV Lebanon.
Welcome Notes:
• MCF Note: Dr. May Chidiac, Former Minister, Professor at Notre Dame University, and
Founder & President of the May Chidiac Foundation.
• KAS Note: Michael Bauer, Head of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Office Lebanon.
• Patronage Note: Ziad Makary, Minister of Information of Lebanon.
FCM – MCF Video Report

10:00 am – 11:00 am | Panel 1 | Media Freedom and the Lebanese Ballot: Coverage, Influence,
and Far-Reaching Effects in Elections | 45 minutes + 15 minutes Q&A
The panel discussion will explore the crucial role of media freedom in shaping Lebanon’s electoral
processes. Media experts and journalists will explore how both traditional and digital media influence
voter perceptions, political campaigns, and election results. Panelists will also examine how media
freedom impacts the fairness of the electoral playing field. Additionally, the session will highlight the
media’s responsibility to uphold transparency and foster informed civic decision-making, ensuring
that voters have the freedom to make educated choices.
Speakers:

– HE Dr. Ziyad Baroud, Former Minister of Interior and Municipalities.
– Mohammad Chamseddine, Researcher at Information International.
– MP Mark Daou, Member of the Lebanese Parliament, Aley District.
– Dayana El Baba, Executive Director of LADE.
– MP Ghassan Hasbani, Former Deputy Prime Minister, Former Minister, and Member of the
Lebanese Parliament.
Moderator:

– Jean Nakhoul, Producer at MTV Lebanon, Elections Expert and Political Analyst.

11:00 am – 11:40 am | Fireside Talk | Reviving a Legacy: Freedom, Innovation, and the Future
of Journalism | 30 minutes + 10 minutes Q&A

Nayla Tueni is the CEO of Annaharnewscorp and Editor-in-Chief of Annahar News and Annahar
Arabi. Tueni is currently leading the expansion, refoundation and remodeling of Annahar
Newspaper—a publication that has been a cornerstone of Lebanese journalism for 91 years.
Drawing from her exceptional career, Tueni will share her insights on navigating the complexities
of modern journalism and leading a legacy media organization through transformative change and
innovation. She will provide her view on the intersection of freedom, innovation, and leadership in
the media industry. As the recipient of many awards including but not limited to the “Global
Women’s Champion” award handed by the International Women’s Foundation, Tueni offers a
unique perspective on how media professionals can thrive in an evolving landscape while
navigating the challenges of a dynamic and free press. Her roles have positioned her at the forefront
of integrating innovative practices while upholding the core values of journalism – freedom and
integrity.
Speaker:
• Nayla Tueni, CEO of Annaharnewscorp and Editor in Chief of Annahar News and Annahar
Arabi.
Moderator:
– Dany Haddad, Editor in Chief, MTV Lebanon Website.
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12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Panel 2 | Unveiling the Digital Shift: AI Powered Journalism | 45 minutes
+ 15 minutes Q&A

This panel will examine how artificial intelligence and digital transformation, and connectivity are
transforming journalism. AI is enhancing news reporting through data-driven insights, efficient factchecking, and automated content creation. The discussion will address both the advantages and
challenges of AI integration, including issues of bias, transparency, and job displacement. Panelists
will provide real-world examples of AI in newsrooms and explore the ethical considerations of
maintaining editorial integrity and human oversight in an AI-driven media landscape.

Speakers:
– Dr. Manal Jalloul, Founder and CEO, AI Lab.
– Eli Khoury, Executive Chairman, Quantum Group.
– Maurice Matta, TV Host & Economic Analyst at MTV Lebanon.
– Rudy Shoushany, Award-Winning Technology Strategist, Founder of Digital TalksDxTalks Podcast.

Moderator:
– Rudy Hachache, Director and Producer at MTV Lebanon.

1:00 pm – 1:40 pm | Short Talk | Guardians of Integrity: Investigative Journalists and their
Nexus with Anti-Corruption Efforts | 30 minutes + 10 minutes Q&A

This panel examines the crucial role of investigative journalists in combating corruption, especially
within public procurement, a sector that has been a breeding ground for corrupt practices. Central to
their efforts is Access to Information (ATI) since it enables them to legally request essential data
required to expose corruption and fulfill their role as vigilant watch dogs. The discussion will focus
on the Lebanese context where adherence to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has
driven the passage of three major anti-corruption laws and the creation of the National AntiCorruption Commission in April 2023. By bringing together diverse minds from journalism, legal
advocacy, and politics, this panel explores collaborative approaches to address systemic issues of
corruption.

Speakers:
– Riad Kobaissi, Investigative Journalist, Host, and Head of the Investigative Unit at Al Jadeed
– MP George Okais, Member of the Lebanese Parliament, and Partner at EKP Legal Counsel.
– Arkan Seblani, Regional Chief Anti-Corruption and Integrity Advisor and Programme
Manager, UNDP Regional Hub for the Arab States.
Moderator:
– Bassam Abou Zeid, LBCI Reporter & News Anchor.

1:40 pm – 2:40 pm | Panel 3 | Voices Amplified: The Role of Political Talk Shows in Fostering
Public Discourse | 45 minutes + 15 minutes Q&A
This panel will focus on the impact of political talk shows in shaping public opinion and political
discourse in Lebanon. Speakers will examine how these shows influence public understanding of
complex issues and political engagement. The discussion will highlight how talk shows create
platforms for diverse viewpoints, encourage critical thinking, and facilitate informed civic
participation. By gathering minds in journalism with intensive political knowledge, insightful
discussions will be fostered on the media’s role in shaping societal and political perspectives.

Speakers:
– Mario Abboud, Journalist & Host at LBCI.
– Walid Abboud, Editor in Chief at MTV Lebanon, TV Host & Presenter.
– Dr. Sami Kleib, Lebanese journalist at Alghad TV.
– Mona Saliba, Talk Show host and Senior Presenter at AlHurra.
– George Salibi, TV Host and Senior News Anchor.

Moderator:
– Nabila Awad, Journalist and News Presenter at MTV Lebanon